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DALLAS TWP. — It was standing room only inside the Dallas Township Municipal Building Tuesday as several Back Mountain first responder communities came together to celebrate several accolades and promotions during the township’s monthly meeting.

Kicking off the agenda Police Chief Douglas Higgins spoke of an incident from February that brought several area first responders together to rescue a driver from a terrible crash.

“What had happened that day was a car went off the road and hit a tree, the driver was trapped and the vehicle was on fire,” he explained of the incident. “What I noticed as the chief of police that day was the actions of some of the first responders. I believe they went above and beyond.”

Dallas Township Officer Brad Balutis was one of the first on scene of the wreck. Higgins said that upon arrival Balutis grabbed a fire extinguisher and was able to lessen the blaze until firefighters arrived.

That’s when member from the Back Mountain Regional Fire and Ambulance arrived, hastily working to extinguish the flaming car, along with members from the Trucksville and Kunkle volunteer fire departments.

“They all worked together to start freeing the driver from the car using the Jaws of Life,” Higgins continued.

Balutis received the American Police Hall of Fame Life Saving Award for his role in aiding the rescue of the driver, Justin Schantz.

In addition, Kunkle Township Fire Company Fire Chief Jack Dodson, Back Mountain Regional Fire and EMS Regional Chief Harry Vivian and Trucksville Volunteer Fire Company Fire Chief Steve Mathers also were awarded plaques for their departments’ life-savings efforts.

Also in the audience was Schantz himself, who attended the ceremony with his father to once again give thanks to the local first responders who helped save his life.

“I just can’t thank them enough. I just appreciate all they do and I’m so thankful,” the 22 year-old Greentown resident said of the group.

Following the meeting Balutis said he was honored to be recognized, but insisted that his actions were just all part of the job description. He added that, given the wide rural, geographic range of the Back Mountain area, it’s common for the groups to work together.

“That day just proved that it doesn’t matter if your fire, police, EMS, hospital. Everyone worked together — and they did a great job at it,” he said.

The meeting also welcomed two promotions and an appointment of several township officers.

Current K9 officer Brian Feeney and accreditation manager Todd Adams will take on roles as sergeants for the police force to assist Higgins in his daily duties. Veteran officer John Mendygral will also be have new duties as the latest Dallas School District resource officer.

From left, Trucksville Volunteer Fire Department Chief Steve Mathers, Kunkle Fire Company Fire Chief Jack Dodson and Back Mountain Regional Fire and EMS Regional Chair Harry Vivian were recognized with plaques by Dallas Township Police Chief Douglas Higgins for their efforts to save Justin Schantz.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/web1_fire.jpgFrom left, Trucksville Volunteer Fire Department Chief Steve Mathers, Kunkle Fire Company Fire Chief Jack Dodson and Back Mountain Regional Fire and EMS Regional Chair Harry Vivian were recognized with plaques by Dallas Township Police Chief Douglas Higgins for their efforts to save Justin Schantz. Marcella Kaster | For Times Leader

Dallas Township Police Officer Brad Balutis, left, is awarded with the American Police Hall of Fame Life Savings Award from Chief Douglas Higgins.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/web1_Higgins-and-Balutis.jpgDallas Township Police Officer Brad Balutis, left, is awarded with the American Police Hall of Fame Life Savings Award from Chief Douglas Higgins. Marcella Kaster | For Times Leader

Dallas Township Officers Brian Feeney, left, and Todd Adams shake hands after both were promoted to sergeants during Tuesday’s monthly township meeting.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/web1_Facetune-201909038400912800880610166.jpgDallas Township Officers Brian Feeney, left, and Todd Adams shake hands after both were promoted to sergeants during Tuesday’s monthly township meeting. Marcella Kaster | For Times Leader

Justin Schantz, center, is surrounded by members of several Back Mountain first responder agencies who assisted in saving his life from a car crash in February. Several of the groups were recognized for their efforts during Tuesday’s monthly Dallas Township meeting.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/web1_IMG_4049.jpgJustin Schantz, center, is surrounded by members of several Back Mountain first responder agencies who assisted in saving his life from a car crash in February. Several of the groups were recognized for their efforts during Tuesday’s monthly Dallas Township meeting. Marcella Kaster | For Times Leader

By Marcella Kester

For Times Leader